Chapter 397

Despite keeping the majority of his fortune hidden in offshore accounts, Mr. Jack's power remained absolute. He controlled the sprawling underground markets of Valtierra with an iron fist. Wealthy patrons from Eldermere frequently found themselves queuing up for his exclusive goods when mainstream sources failed them. Those foolish enough to cross him never lived to regret it.

The assembled journalists shifted nervously, their heads shaking in frantic denial.

One particularly pale reporter stammered, "N-no—we weren't paid by anyone! We came to investigate rumors, not spread lies!"

"Is that so?" Olivia's lips curled into a dangerous smirk as she stepped forward. "Yet moments ago, you were quick to label me a mistress. Had my companion today been less influential, I imagine you'd have happily slandered me without consequence, wouldn't you?"

Liam's eyes darkened at the accusation.

Several reporters' knees buckled, their hands trembling uncontrollably. "W-we would never! We're journalists—truth is our profession! How could we possibly—"

With a derisive laugh, Olivia closed the distance to Liam, tracing a single finger down his chest. "What shall we do with these liars, darling? They seem determined to hide the truth."

Liam caught her wandering hand, his grip firm. "Don't move," he murmured, voice thick with warning.

Olivia recognized the heat in his gaze, feeling her cheeks flush. Liam had always been dangerously responsive to her touch. Were they not maintaining appearances, she'd never have dared such proximity.

A slow smile spread across Liam's face as he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. When his attention returned to the reporters, his expression turned glacial. "Since they refuse honesty willingly, we'll extract it by force. Let's see how long their loyalty lasts when faced with real consequences."

One journalist broke first, collapsing to his knees with a choked sob. "You're right! Someone did order us to do this! But we had no choice—angering the Ellingtons means losing everything! Please, Miss Sinclair, have mercy!"

The man began kowtowing desperately against the marble floor.

Like dominoes, half the remaining reporters followed suit, their pretense of innocence crumbling.

Olivia's anger burned white-hot. How had Victoria managed to bribe so many media outlets? This was clearly a calculated attempt to destroy her reputation.

She couldn't comprehend what she'd done to deserve such hatred from Victoria. Why was the woman so determined to ruin her?

"I'll let you decide their fate," Liam's voice pulled Olivia from her spiraling thoughts. "What would you have me do with them?"

Drawing a steadying breath, Olivia met the reporters' terrified gazes.

"I don't want them harmed. I only want the truth published. Some claim they merely took compromising photos without intent to spread rumors. Fine. Then they'll print exactly who I was with today and under what circumstances. Is that clear?"

The journalists nodded frantically.

Liam's voice cut through the room like winter wind. "Get the story straight. Olivia and I met abroad years ago. She saved my life. I pledged myself to her then, and I intend to marry into the Sinclair family."